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Art of War

Core text in English
http://www.artofwar.net/china/text.htm The main text of the Art of War was translated into English 96 years ago and is no longer copyright protected, so I can reproduce it here. The weakness of gender bias The original text is rarely gender specific, but this and many other English translations assume all troops, leaders, generals and enemies are men. This is a assumption of the translator not a statement of Sun Tzu. I believe this is a grave misunderstanding of Sun Tzu's overarching principal of independent analysis. Like western history, Chinese history has only a handful of powerful women, but those that existed were quite significant. Assuming your enemies and allies must be all male is at best indicative of superficial analysis. Mao (a student of the Art of War) led the victorious "People's Army" including many women. Also this translation is incomplete and the English is quite dated, but here it is:

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Sun Tzu on the Art of War The Oldest Military Treatise in the World I. LAYING PLANS II. WAGING WAR III. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM IV. TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS V. ENERGY VI. WEAK POINTS AND STRONG VII. MANOEUVRING VIII. VARIATION IN TACTICS IX. THE ARMY ON THE MARCH X. TERRAIN XI. THE NINE SITUATIONS XII. THE ATTACK BY FIRE XIII. THE USE OF SPIES

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Sun Tzu on the Art of War The Oldest Military Treatise in the World
Translated from the Chinese By LIONEL GILES, M.A. (1910)

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I. LAYING PLANS
1. Sun Tzu said: The art of war is of vital importance to the State. 2. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. 3. The art of war, then, is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one's deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field. 4. These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline. 5,6. The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger. 7. Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons. 8. Earth comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death. 9. The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerely, benevolence, courage and strictness. 10. By method and discipline are to be understood the marshalling of the army in its proper subdivisions, the graduations of rank among the officers, the maintenance of roads by which supplies may reach the army, and the control of military expenditure. 11. These five heads should be familiar to every general: he who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail. 12. Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:--

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13. (1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law? (2) Which of the two generals has most ability? (3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth? (4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced? (5) Which army is stronger? (6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained? (7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment? 14. By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat. 15. The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat:--let such a one be dismissed! 16. While heading the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules. 17. According as circumstances are favourable, one should modify one's plans. 18. All warfare is based on deception. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. 20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. 21. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. 22. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. 23. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. 24. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

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Thus do many calculations lead to victory. leading to victory. These military devices. must not be divulged beforehand. Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought.
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. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. 26. and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.25.

Now. if the campaign is protracted. will reach the total of a thousand ounces of silver per day. then men's weapons will grow dull and their ardour will be damped. if victory is long in coming. your ardour damped. cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.
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. and sums spent on chariots and armour. the expenditure at home and at the front. however wise. the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain. Then no man. 3. will be able to avert the consequences that must ensue. with provisions enough to carry them a thousand li. as many heavy chariots. WAGING WAR
1. If you lay siege to a town. When you engage in actual fighting. other chieftains will spring up to take advantage of your extremity. 6. 5. where there are in the field a thousand swift chariots. though we have heard of stupid haste in war. and a hundred thousand mail-clad soldiers.000 men. 2. including entertainment of guests. you will exhaust your strength.II. 4. Such is the cost of raising an army of 100. Again. Thus. There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Sun Tzu said: In the operations of war. your strength exhausted and your treasure spent. when your weapons are dulled. small items such as glue and paint.

11. draught-oxen and heavy wagons. Therefore in chariot fighting.7. and likewise a single picul of his provender is equivalent to twenty from one's own store. and the chariots mingled and used in conjunction with ours. the homes of the people will be stripped bare. On the other hand. The skilful soldier does not raise a second levy. bows and arrows. Thus the army will have food enough for its needs. 8. 12. the proximity of an army causes prices to go up. Our own flags should be substituted for those of the enemy. when ten or more chariots have been taken. will amount to four-tenths of its total revenue. worn-out horses. 16. Poverty of the State exchequer causes an army to be maintained by contributions from a distance. 15. One cartload of the enemy's provisions is equivalent to twenty of one's own. Contributing to maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished. the peasantry will be afflicted by heavy exactions. Now in order to kill the enemy. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength. but forage on the enemy. that there may be advantage from defeating the enemy. and high prices cause the people's substance to be drained away. 10. neither are his supply-wagons loaded more than twice. our men must be roused to anger. 17. those should be rewarded who took the first. Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy. while government expenses for broken chariots. It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on. protective mantles.14.
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. and three-tenths of their income will be dissipated. When their substance is drained away. breast-plates and helmets. they must have their rewards. 13. spears and shields. 9. Bring war material with you from home. The captured soldiers should be kindly treated and kept.

20. In war. not lengthy campaigns. Thus it may be known that the leader of armies is the arbiter of the people's fate. 19. This is called.
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. let your great object be victory. the man on whom it depends whether the nation shall be in peace or in peril. using the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.18. then.

2. a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them. 3. supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. will take up three whole months.
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. and various implements of war. The general. 4. Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence. and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities. too.III. So. the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact. The rule is. with the result that one-third of his men are slain. and the piling up of mounds over against the walls will take three months more. to capture a regiment. will launch his men to the assault like swarming ants. The preparation of mantlets. Sun Tzu said: In the practical art of war. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM
1. it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it. unable to control his irritation. the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces. the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field. to shatter and destroy it is not so good. Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans. 5. movable shelters. not to besiege walled cities if it can possibly be avoided.

though an obstinate fight may be made by a small force. This shakes the confidence of the soldiers. if the bulwark is defective. Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting. 11. Such are the disastrous effects of a siege. without losing a man. if slightly inferior in numbers. There are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune upon his army:-13. through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. to divide our army into two. Hence. he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field. If equally matched. (1) By commanding the army to advance or to retreat. we can avoid the enemy. in the end it must be captured by the larger force. 8. 7. to surround him. we can offer battle.while the town still remains untaken. 15. With his forces intact he will dispute the mastery of the Empire. 12. 6. if our forces are ten to the enemy's one. he captures their cities without laying siege to them. if five to one. This causes restlessness in the soldier's minds. to attack him. the State will be weak. if quite unequal in every way. being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. his triumph will be complete. if the bulwark is complete at all points. (2) By attempting to govern an army in the same way as he administers a kingdom. the State will be strong. 9.
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. This is the method of attacking by stratagem. being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. Now the general is the bulwark of the State. It is the rule in war. (3) By employing the officers of his army without discrimination. 10. and thus. 14. if twice as numerous. This is called hobbling the army. we can flee from him.

But when the army is restless and distrustful. 18. Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: (1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
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.16. trouble is sure to come from the other feudal princes. (3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. If you know yourself but not the enemy. you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. waits to take the enemy unprepared. (5) He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign. (2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. 17. prepared himself. and flinging victory away. (4) He will win who. This is simply bringing anarchy into the army. Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself. for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself. you will succumb in every battle.

6. 7. 4. Security against defeat implies defensive tactics. but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.IV. but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it. TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS
1. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands. and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat. 3. The general who is skilled in defence hides in the most secret recesses of the earth. a superabundance of strength. ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive. 5. 2. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength. Sun Tzu said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat. he who is skilled in
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. attacking.

Measurement owes its existence to Earth. 16. 15. Hence the skilful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible. Balancing of chances. Victory. fourthly. The consummate leader cultivates the moral law. 13. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won. to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear.attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven. and strictly adheres to method and discipline. thirdly.
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. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Neither is it the acme of excellence if you fight and conquer and the whole Empire says. a victory that is complete. thus it is in his power to control success. 9. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory. to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight. Thus on the one hand we have ability to protect ourselves. Balancing of chances to Calculation. for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated. "Well done!" 10. and Victory to Balancing of chances. and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy. To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength. 11. Calculation. but excels in winning with ease. 12. To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence. Estimation of quantity to Measurement. Calculation to Estimation of quantity. on the other. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage. Measurement. firstly. 17. In respect of military method. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins. secondly. we have. 14. 8. Estimation of quantity. fifthly. whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory. 18.

is as a pound's weight placed in the scale against a single grain. The onrush of a conquering force is like the bursting of pent-up waters into a chasm a thousand fathoms deep.
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. A victorious army opposed to a routed one.19. 20.

yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen. are inexhaustible as Heaven and Earth. That the impact of your army may be like a grindstone dashed against an egg--this is effected by the science of weak points and strong. unending as the flow of rivers and streams. 4. efficiently applied. 2. white. the direct method may be used for joining battle. 5. like the sun and moon. red.
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. they pass away to return once more. 6. 7. yellow. they end but to begin anew. To ensure that your whole host may withstand the brunt of the enemy's attack and remain unshaken-this is effected by manoeuvres direct and indirect. 3. Indirect tactics. In all fighting. ENERGY
1. 8. There are not more than five musical notes. but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. There are not more than five primary colours (blue. Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.V. Sun Tzu said: The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers. like the four seasons. and black). yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim. 16. 17. sweet. Thus one who is skilful at keeping the enemy on the move maintains deceitful appearances. 19. The onset of troops is like the rush of a torrent which will even roll stones along in its course. to the releasing of a trigger. 18. He sacrifices something.9.
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. By holding out baits. 20. 13. 10. 14. he keeps him on the march. according to which the enemy will act. there are not more than two methods of attack--the direct and the indirect. In battle. masking strength with weakness is to be effected by tactical dispositions. There are not more than five cardinal tastes (sour. decision. Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle. 11. amid confusion and chaos. then with a body of picked men he lies in wait for him. Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset. there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all. Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow. 15. Who can exhaust the possibilities of their combination? 12. that the enemy may snatch at it. salt. and prompt in his decision. yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted. simulated weakness postulates strength. yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of manoeuvres. your array may be without head or tail. concealing courage under a show of timidity presupposes a fund of latent energy. It is like moving in a circle--you never come to an end. Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline. Hiding order beneath the cloak of disorder is simply a question of subdivision. bitter). yet it will be proof against defeat. The direct and the indirect lead on to each other in turn. simulated fear postulates courage. acrid.

if four-cornered. to go rolling down. and does not require too much from individuals. Thus the energy developed by good fighting men is as the momentum of a round stone rolled down a mountain thousands of feet in height. to come to a standstill. 22. but if round-shaped.21. The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy. So much on the subject of energy.
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. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground. 23. When he utilizes combined energy. and to move when on a slope. his fighting men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilize combined energy.

he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near. he can starve him out. 2. whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.VI. Page 19
. he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord. Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy. Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend. if quietly encamped. by inflicting damage. 6. he can harass him. 4. will be fresh for the fight. 3. or. march swiftly to places where you are not expected. Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy. but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him. if it marches through country where the enemy is not. WEAK POINTS AND STRONG
1. If the enemy is taking his ease. By holding out advantages to him. 5. he can force him to move. An army may march great distances without distress. if well supplied with food.

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. 13. which means that we shall be many to the enemy's few. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force with a superior one. 12. 9. and his forces being thus distributed in many directions. 10. 11. through you inaudible.7. the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. we can keep our forces concentrated. If we do not wish to fight. and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands. 15. All we need do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way. We can form a single united body. You can ensure the safety of your defence if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. while the enemy's must be divided. 16. you may retire and be safe from pursuit if your movements are more rapid than those of the enemy. Hence there will be a whole pitted against separate parts of a whole. You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few. O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible. The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known. 8. if you make for the enemy's weak points. our opponents will be in dire straits. You may advance and be absolutely irresistible. we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. 14. Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve. By discovering the enemy's dispositions and remaining invisible ourselves. while the enemy must split up into fractions. If we wish to fight. and he is skilful in defence whose opponent does not know what to attack. for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points.

Though the enemy be stronger in numbers. we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight. the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them. Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare against possible attacks. or the rear to support the van. from compelling our adversary to make these preparations against us. should he strengthen his left.
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. Carefully compare the opposing army with your own. and even the nearest are separated by several LI! 21. the right equally impotent to succour the left. 25. How much more so if the furthest portions of the army are anything under a hundred LI apart. How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics--that is what the multitude cannot comprehend. 23. Rouse him. 20. In making tactical dispositions. I say then that victory can be achieved. Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle. But if neither time nor place be known. he will weaken his left. so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient. he will weaken his rear. should he strengthen his rear. 24. 18. 22. that shall advantage them nothing in the matter of victory. and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies. and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. he will weaken his right.17. If he sends reinforcements everywhere. from the machinations of the wisest brains. he will everywhere be weak. the van unable to relieve the rear. conceal your dispositions. Force him to reveal himself. so as to find out his vulnerable spots. Though according to my estimate the soldiers of Yueh exceed our own in number. 19. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success. we may prevent him from fighting. should he strengthen his right. he will weaken his van. For should the enemy strengthen his van. 26. then the left wing will be impotent to succour the right. numerical strength.

29. Therefore. fire. just as water retains no constant shape. Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory. the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards. but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved. the moon has its periods of waning and waxing. 34. 30. earth) are not always equally predominant.27. 31. All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer. There are short days and long. may be called a heaven-born captain. So in war. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows. the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. 33. the four seasons make way for each other in turn. metal. Military tactics are like unto water. The five elements (water. 32. wood. so in warfare there are no constant conditions. 28.
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. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning. but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

Thus. to detach a flying column for the purpose involves the sacrifice of its baggage and stores. 5.VII. 6. and misfortune into gain.
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. After that. Sun Tzu said: In war. to contrive to reach the goal before him. most dangerous. the chances are that you will be too late. Manoeuvring with an army is advantageous. the general receives his commands from the sovereign. If you set a fully equipped army in march in order to snatch an advantage. 3. MANOEUVRING
1. shows knowledge of the artifice of deviation. 4. than which there is nothing more difficult. and though starting after him. The difficulty of tactical manoeuvring consists in turning the devious into the direct. to take a long and circuitous route. after enticing the enemy out of the way. he must blend and harmonize the different elements thereof before pitching his camp. 2. On the other hand. with an undisciplined multitude. Having collected an army and concentrated his forces. comes tactical manoeuvring.

must be decided by circumstances. In raiding and plundering be like fire. doing a hundred LI in order to wrest an advantage. two-thirds of your army will arrive. and you will succeed. the jaded ones will fall behind. We shall be unable to turn natural advantage to account unless we make use of local guides. if you order your men to roll up their buff-coats. and make forced marches without halting day or night. your compactness that of the forest. fall like a thunderbolt. Whether to concentrate or to divide your troops. the leaders of all your three divisions will fall into the hands of the enemy. 9. you will lose the leader of your first division. We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbours. and when you move. In war. is immovability like a mountain. and only half your force will reach the goal. 12. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night. 11. We may take it then that an army without its baggage-train is lost. 19. 16. its marshes and swamps. practice dissimulation. and on this plan only one-tenth of your army will reach its destination.7. 14. 17. Let your rapidity be that of the wind. its pitfalls and precipices. 13. 15.
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. 8. 18. 10. without provisions it is lost. Thus. covering double the usual distance at a stretch. If you march fifty LI in order to outmanoeuvre the enemy. If you march thirty LI with the same object. without bases of supply it is lost. The stronger men will be in front. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests.

cut it up into allotments for the benefit of the soldiery. Gongs and drums. The Book of Army Management says: On the field of battle. This is the art of handling large masses of men. and in the evening. 26. or for the cowardly to retreat alone. let the spoil be divided amongst your men. Ponder and deliberate before you make a move. 21. his mind is bent only on returning to camp. A whole army may be robbed of its spirit. Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning. This is the art of studying moods. The host thus forming a single united body. make much use of signal-fires and drums. to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:--this is the art of retaining self-possession. are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point. He will conquer who has learnt the artifice of deviation. 22. 31. 24. the spoken word does not carry far enough: hence the institution of gongs and drums. When you plunder a countryside. then. is it impossible either for the brave to advance alone. therefore. 30. A clever general. 27. as a means of influencing the ears and eyes of your army. Such is the art of manoeuvring.
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. 23. of flags and banners.20. Disciplined and calm. when you capture new territory. avoids an army when its spirit is keen. In night-fighting. to be well-fed while the enemy is famished:--this is the art of husbanding one's strength. 25. a commander-in-chief may be robbed of his presence of mind. 28. to wait at ease while the enemy is toiling and struggling. by noonday it has begun to flag. To be near the goal while the enemy is still far from it. but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. Nor can ordinary objects be seen clearly enough: hence the institution of banners and flags. 29. and in fighting by day. banners and flags.

33. Do not press a desperate foe too hard. do not attack soldiers whose temper is keen. To refrain from intercepting an enemy whose banners are in perfect order. 34. 37. 35. nor to oppose him when he comes downhill. 36. Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. to refrain from attacking an army drawn up in calm and confident array:--this is the art of studying circumstances. It is a military axiom not to advance uphill against the enemy. leave an outlet free. Do not pursue an enemy who simulates flight. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home. When you surround an army.32. Such is the art of warfare.
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.

Do not linger in dangerously isolated positions. positions which must not be contested. you must resort to stratagem. the general receives his commands from the sovereign. Sun Tzu said: In war. do not encamp. There are roads which must not be followed. join hands with your allies. 3. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.
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.VIII. VARIATION IN TACTICS
1. armies which must be not attacked. 4. you must fight. In hemmed-in situations. In country where high roads intersect. commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed. When in difficult country. towns which must be besieged. collects his army and concentrates his forces 2. In desperate position.

on the other hand. If. 11. which leads to capture.
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. 8. ruinous to the conduct of war. and keep them constantly engaged. considerations of advantage and of disadvantage will be blended together. the cause will surely be found among these five dangerous faults. and make them rush to any given point. even though he be acquainted with the Five Advantages. and make trouble for them. which exposes him to worry and trouble. yet he will not be able to turn his knowledge to practical account. not on the chance of his not attacking. 9. the student of war who is unversed in the art of war of varying his plans. Hence in the wise leader's plans. in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage. So. which leads to destruction. These are the five besetting sins of a general. Let them be a subject of meditation. hold out specious allurements. 12. 7. but on our own readiness to receive him. 6. we may extricate ourselves from misfortune. There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general: (1) Recklessness. The general who does not understand these. 10. (2) cowardice. may be well acquainted with the configuration of the country. but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable. (5) over-solicitude for his men. (3) a hasty temper. 13. When an army is overthrown and its leader slain. (4) a delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame. If our expectation of advantage be tempered in this way. Reduce the hostile chiefs by inflicting damage on them. we may succeed in accomplishing the essential part of our schemes. 14. The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming. which can be provoked by insults.5. will fail to make the best use of his men.

When an invading force crosses a river in its onward march. THE ARMY ON THE MARCH
1. and then deliver your attack. do not advance to meet it in mid-stream. 5. 3. Page 29
. Moor your craft higher up than the enemy. So much for river warfare. and keep in the neighbourhood of valleys. Pass quickly over mountains. Do not climb heights in order to fight. you should get far away from it. Camp in high places. After crossing a river. Do not move up-stream to meet the enemy. you should not go to meet the invader near a river which he has to cross. It will be best to let half the army get across. and observing signs of the enemy. 6. and facing the sun. So much for mountain warfare. If you are anxious to fight. Sun Tzu said: We come now to the question of encamping the army. 2. facing the sun. 4.IX.

and this will spell victory. you must wait until it subsides. and get your back to a clump of trees. 10. a river which you wish to ford is swollen and flecked with foam. 14. 13. In crossing salt-marshes. 8. in consequence of heavy rains up-country. If forced to fight in a salt-marsh. 9. When. confined places. without any delay. or woods with thick undergrowth. you should have water and grass near you. with the slope on your right rear. 15. take up an easily accessible position with rising ground to your right and on your rear. should be left with all possible speed and not approached. 11.7. occupy the sunny side. the army will be free from disease of every kind. All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny places to dark. hollow basins filled with reeds. Thus you will at once act for the benefit of your soldiers and utilize the natural advantages of the ground. 12. tangled thickets. so that the danger may be in front. So much for operations in salt-marches. Country in which there are precipitous cliffs with torrents running between. for these are places where men in ambush or insidious spies are likely to be lurking. level country. If in the neighbourhood of your camp there should be any hilly country. and camp on hard ground. 17. and safety lie behind. they must be carefully routed out and searched. we should let the enemy have them on his rear.
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. we should get the enemy to approach them. If you are careful of your men. In dry. While we keep away from such places. So much for campaigning in flat country. When you come to a hill or a bank. while we face them. ponds surrounded by aquatic grass. quagmires and crevasses. These are the four useful branches of military knowledge which enabled the Yellow Emperor to vanquish four several sovereigns. your sole concern should be to get over them quickly. deep natural hollows. 16.

22. he is anxious for the other side to advance. When the enemy is close at hand and remains quiet.18. When it branches out in different directions. 23. but spread over a wide area. he is tendering a bait. 19. When he keeps aloof and tries to provoke a battle. 21. Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot. 24. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat. when the dust is low. When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears. 29. Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. A few clouds of dust moving to and fro signify that the army is encamping.
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. When some are seen advancing and some retreating. it shows that parties have been sent to collect firewood. If his place of encampment is easy of access. 26. The appearance of a number of screens in the midst of thick grass means that the enemy wants to make us suspicious. it is the sign of chariots advancing. he is relying on the natural strength of his position. it is a sign that the enemy is forming for battle. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming. it is a lure. When there is dust rising in a high column. When the light chariots come out first and take up a position on the wings. 27. 20. 25. When there is much running about and the soldiers fall into rank. it betokens the approach of infantry. The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Movement amongst the trees of a forest shows that the enemy is advancing. 28. it means that the critical moment has come. they are faint from want of food.

If the enemy's troops march up angrily and remain facing ours for a long time without either joining battle or taking themselves off again. If there is disturbance in the camp. you may know that they are determined to fight to the death. but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers. 40. showing that they will not return to their tents. the general's authority is weak. that is amply sufficient. too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress. it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce. Clamour by night betokens nervousness.30. 38. 37. and obtain reinforcements.
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. keep a close watch on the enemy. If the banners and flags are shifted about. The sight of men whispering together in small knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file. When an army feeds its horses with grain and kills its cattle for food. 31. sedition is afoot. If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves. it means that the men are weary. the situation is one that demands great vigilance and circumspection. Too frequent rewards signify that the enemy is at the end of his resources. 36. the soldiers are exhausted. shows a supreme lack of intelligence. 41. 33. If our troops are no more in number than the enemy. When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths. 34. the army is suffering from thirst. What we can do is simply to concentrate all our available strength. it only means that no direct attack can be made. He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them. 32. it is unoccupied. If the enemy sees an advantage to be gained and makes no effort to secure it. If birds gather on any spot. If the officers are angry. To begin by bluster. 39. 35. and when the men do not hang their cooking-pots over the camp-fires.

if not. they will still be unless. unless submissive. This is a certain road to victory.42.
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. the army will be well-disciplined. 43. punishments are not enforced. If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed. 45. and. they will not prove submissive. the gain will be mutual. its discipline will be bad. 44. If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you. If in training soldiers commands are habitually enforced. If. then will be practically useless. Therefore soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity. but kept under control by means of iron discipline. when the soldiers have become attached to you.

Ground which can be abandoned but is hard to re-occupy is called entangling. 3. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.
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.X. Ground which can be freely traversed by both sides is called accessible. be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots. to wit: (1) Accessible ground. TERRAIN
1. (3) temporizing ground. (4) narrow passes. (5) precipitous heights. (2) entangling ground. Sun Tzu said: We may distinguish six kinds of terrain. 2. With regard to ground of this nature. 4. and carefully guard your line of supplies. (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.

then. Page 35
. 14. Now an army is exposed to six several calamities. when part of his army has come out. 8. 11. and you fail to defeat him. disaster will ensue. if the enemy is unprepared. and fighting will be to your disadvantage. These are: (1) Flight. The general who has attained a responsible post must be careful to study them. In a position of this sort. then. return being impossible. But if the enemy is prepared for your coming. if you are beforehand with your adversary.5. you may sally forth and defeat him. When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move. Should the army forestall you in occupying a pass. we may deliver our attack with advantage. let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy. but only if it is weakly garrisoned. it is not easy to provoke a battle. 15. These six are the principles connected with Earth. Other conditions being equal. (5) disorganization. thus enticing the enemy in his turn. (4) ruin. 12. it is called temporizing ground. 9. even though the enemy should offer us an attractive bait. (2) insubordination. 6. With regard to narrow passes. if one force is hurled against another ten times its size. and there wait for him to come up. With regard to precipitous heights. From a position of this sort. but rather to retreat. if you can occupy them first. 7. do not follow him. (3) collapse. but from faults for which the general is responsible. the result will be the flight of the former. it will be advisable not to stir forth. If the enemy has occupied them before you. (6) rout. If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy. 10. you should occupy the raised and sunny spots. and the strength of the two armies is equal. but retreat and try to entice him away. do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned. not arising from natural causes. 13.

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally. unable to estimate the enemy's strength. 20. 17. 22. when there are no fixes duties assigned to officers and men. the result is ruin. He who knows these things. the result is insubordination. when his orders are not clear and distinct. but a power of estimating the adversary. will surely be defeated. When the general is weak and without authority. which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post. then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding. 19. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak. before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or no he is in a position to fight. and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice. whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign. The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace. the result is utter disorganization. and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner. nor practices them. and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment. the result must be rout. even though the ruler forbid it. If fighting is sure to result in victory. constitutes the test of a great general. 24. When a general. 23. will win his battles. if fighting will not result in victory. When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate. then you must fight. He who knows them not. and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank. or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one. When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak. the result is collapse. is the jewel of the kingdom. 18.
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. and of shrewdly calculating difficulties. dangers and distances.16. These are six ways of courting defeat. allows an inferior force to engage a larger one. 21. of controlling the forces of victory.

but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack. Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself. kind-hearted. we have still gone only halfway towards victory. and also know that our men are in a condition to attack.25. moreover. but unable to make your authority felt. we have gone only halfway towards victory. If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack. 30. If. 27. of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children. is never bewildered. your victory will not stand in doubt. but are unaware that the nature of the ground makes fighting impracticable. If we know that the enemy is open to attack. look upon them as your own beloved sons. however. once he has broken camp.
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. and incapable. once in motion. we have gone only halfway towards victory. you may make your victory complete. 28. but unable to enforce your commands. If we know that the enemy is open to attack. you are indulgent. if you know Heaven and know Earth. and they will stand by you even unto death. 26. 31. they are useless for any practical purpose. Regard your soldiers as your children. 29. he is never at a loss. Hence the experienced soldier. but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack. and they will follow you into the deepest valleys.

leaving a number of fortified cities in its rear. (8) hemmed-in ground. (3) contentious ground. (6) serious ground. Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open ground.XI. 2. (9) desperate ground. (2) facile ground.
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. 8. so that he who occupies it first has most of the Empire at his command. marshes and fens--all country that is hard to traverse: this is difficult ground. (7) difficult ground. Ground which forms the key to three contiguous states. Ground the possession of which imports great advantage to either side. is contentious ground. 6. Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground. 4. Mountain forests. When he has penetrated into hostile territory. (5) ground of intersecting highways. it is facile ground. is a ground of intersecting highways. When an army has penetrated into the heart of a hostile country. THE NINE SITUATIONS
1. rugged steeps. When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory. it is dispersive ground. (4) open ground. it is serious ground. 5. 7. but to no great distance. 3.

and attack unguarded spots. join hands with your allies. 14. 10. and from which we can only retire by tortuous paths. to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad. and thus the defenders will not prevail against you. On contentious ground. 12. 16. On hemmed-in ground. Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness. On desperate ground. 18.
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." 19. fight. attack not. so that a small number of the enemy would suffice to crush a large body of our men: this is hemmed in ground. On serious ground. 17. 20. In difficult ground.9. resort to stratagem. make your way by unexpected routes. therefore. halt not. Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay. do not try to block the enemy's way. keep steadily on the march. they managed to keep them in disorder. On the ground of intersecting highways. On facile ground. fight not. 13. gather in plunder. Those who were called skilful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear. On open ground. 11. the officers from rallying their men. If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack. they stopped still. Ground which is reached through narrow gorges. they made a forward move. When the enemy's men were united. The following are the principles to be observed by an invading force: The further you penetrate into a country. is desperate ground. when otherwise. then he will be amenable to your will. I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear. On dispersive ground. the greater will be the solidarity of your troops. 15. When it was to their advantage. to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions.

it is not because they are disinclined to longevity. they will show a stubborn front. 23. Carefully study the well-being of your men. The skilful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. there is nothing they may not achieve. and devise unfathomable plans. If our soldiers are not overburdened with money. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. and those lying down letting the tears run down their cheeks. and do away with superstitious doubts. 25.
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. without waiting to be asked. But let them once be brought to bay. they will be faithful. and they will prefer death to flight. Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape. without restrictions. 29. On the day they are ordered out to battle. Soldiers when in desperate straits lose the sense of fear. if their lives are not unduly long. without waiting to be marshalled. 22. 28. they will stand firm. those sitting up bedewing their garments. until death itself comes. Thus. 27. and you will be attacked by its head. and you will be attacked by head and tail both. without giving orders. If they are in hostile country. If there is no place of refuge. Make forays in fertile country in order to supply your army with food.21. no calamity need be feared. and they will display the courage of a Chu or a Kuei. Strike at its head. it is not because they have a distaste for riches. and do not overtax them. and you will be attacked by its tail. the soldiers will be constantly on the qui vive. strike at its tail. they can be trusted. strike at its middle. Then. If there is no help for it. they will do your will. If they will face death. they will fight hard. Prohibit the taking of omens. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the ChUng mountains. your soldiers may weep. Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength. 24. 26. Keep your army continually on the move.

he keeps the enemy without definite knowledge.30. and nothing knows whither he is going. 31. Yes. 34. Asked if an army can be made to imitate the shuai-jan. 33. by the hand. 39. the expediency of aggressive or
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. For the men of Wu and the men of Yueh are enemies. and the burying of chariot wheels in the ground 32. By altering his arrangements and changing his plans. they will come to each other's assistance just as the left hand helps the right. willy-nilly. 38. and thus maintain order. the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him. He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances. 40. He burns his boats and breaks his cooking-pots. he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. 41. It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy. 35. At the critical moment. and thus keep them in total ignorance. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes. yet if they are crossing a river in the same boat and are caught by a storm. Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man. How to make the best of both strong and weak--that is a question involving the proper use of ground. The different measures suited to the nine varieties of ground. upright and just. To muster his host and bring it into danger:--this may be termed the business of the general. 36. Hence it is not enough to put one's trust in the tethering of horses. 37. he drives his men this way and that. The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach. I should answer. like a shepherd driving a flock of sheep. He carries his men deep into hostile territory before he shows his hand.

50. On open ground.defensive tactics. When you penetrate deeply into a country. 51. 52. I would keep a vigilant eye on my defences. that penetrating deeply brings cohesion. 43. On facile ground. On difficult ground. the general principle is. On desperate ground. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests. When there are means of communication on all four sides. it is facile ground. you find yourself on critical ground. I would hurry up my rear. it is hemmed-in ground. When you have the enemy's strongholds on your rear. and narrow passes in front. 45. On hemmed-in ground. 44. I would consolidate my alliances. it is serious ground. I would see that there is close connection between all parts of my army. I would block any way of retreat. When there is no place of refuge at all. Therefore. and to obey promptly when he has fallen into danger. 46. I would inspire my men with unity of purpose. On contentious ground. For it is the soldier's disposition to offer an obstinate resistance when surrounded. 48. When you leave your own country behind. the ground is one of intersecting highways. We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. On serious ground. 47. On ground of intersecting highways. I would proclaim to my soldiers the hopelessness of saving their lives. penetrating but a short way means dispersion. it is desperate ground. I would keep pushing on along the road. 49. I would try to ensure a continuous stream of supplies. on dispersive ground. When invading hostile territory. 42. When you penetrate but a little way. and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied. and take your army across neighbourhood territory. Page 42
. to fight hard when he cannot help himself.

Hence he does not strive to ally himself with all and sundry. his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy's forces.
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. and stop the passage of all emissaries. bring it before their eyes. and it will survive. For it is precisely when a force has fallen into harm's way that is capable of striking a blow for victory. plunge it into desperate straits. Confront your soldiers with the deed itself. When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state. Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose. 62. keeping his antagonists in awe. 54. 59. Bestow rewards without regard to rule. issue orders without regard to previous arrangements. and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man. but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy. nor does he foster the power of other states. 61. Place your army in deadly peril. This is called ability to accomplish a thing by sheer cunning. never let them know your design. block the frontier passes. 58. 55. 57. and it will come off in safety. 53. He carries out his own secret designs. destroy the official tallies. By persistently hanging on the enemy's flank. its marshes and swamps. 56. On the day that you take up your command.its pitfalls and precipices. When the outlook is bright. we shall succeed in the long run in killing the commander-in-chief. and their allies are prevented from joining against him. 63. 60. To be ignored of any one of the following four or five principles does not befit a warlike prince. He overawes his opponents. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.

and accommodate yourself to the enemy until you can fight a decisive battle. and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you. and subtly contrive to time his arrival on the ground. Be stern in the council-chamber. Walk in the path defined by rule. If the enemy leaves a door open.64. you must rush in. 67. afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare. until the enemy gives you an opening. Forestall your opponent by seizing what he holds dear. 66. At first.
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. exhibit the coyness of a maiden. 65. then. so that you may control the situation. 68.

the third is to burn baggage trains. 3. The first is to burn soldiers in their camp. Sun Tzu said: There are five ways of attacking with fire. In order to carry out an attack. 2. the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy. the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines.XII. and special days for starting a conflagration. There is a proper season for making attacks with fire. THE ATTACK BY FIRE
1. the second is to burn stores. The material for raising fire should always be kept in readiness. we must have means available. Page 45
.

but a night breeze soon falls. respond at once with an attack from without. 14. 15. the movements of the stars calculated. the Wall. A wind that rises in the daytime lasts long. 12. 9. for these four are all days of rising wind. if that is practicable. follow it up with an attack. bide your time and do not attack. (4) If it is possible to make an assault with fire from without. but the enemy's soldiers remain quiet. Do not attack from the leeward. if not. but not robbed of all his belongings. 11. (1) When fire breaks out inside to enemy's camp. an enemy may be intercepted. the Wing or the Cross-bar. the special days are those when the moon is in the constellations of the Sieve. In attacking with fire.
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. The proper season is when the weather is very dry. (3) When the force of the flames has reached its height. 16. By means of water. In every army. stay where you are. the good general cultivates his resources. 5. but deliver your attack at a favourable moment. 13. 7. (5) When you start a fire. be to windward of it. one should be prepared to meet five possible developments: 6. and a watch kept for the proper days. Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead. 8. for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.4. (2) If there is an outbreak of fire. Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise. Hence those who use fire as an aid to the attack show intelligence. those who use water as an aid to the attack gain an accession of strength. 10. the five developments connected with fire must be known. do not wait for it to break out within.

Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful. 18. no general should fight a battle simply out of pique. and the good general full of caution. 19. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact. vexation may be succeeded by content. fight not unless the position is critical. If it is to your advantage.
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. if not. 21. No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen. Move not unless you see an advantage. nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.17. 20. make a forward move. 22. use not your troops unless there is something to be gained. stay where you are. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being. Anger may in time change to gladness.

XIII. One who acts thus is no leader of men. no master of victory. 3. no present help to his sovereign. 2. is the height of inhumanity. to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honours and emoluments. There will be commotion at home and abroad. Hostile armies may face each other for years. striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so. Page 48
. As many as seven hundred thousand families will be impeded in their labour. Sun Tzu said: Raising a host of a hundred thousand men and marching them great distances entails heavy loss on the people and a drain on the resources of the State. and men will drop down exhausted on the highways. THE USE OF SPIES
1. The daily expenditure will amount to a thousand ounces of silver.

making use of officials of the enemy. 11. Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men. (3) converted spies. Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits. 10. nor by any deductive calculation. doing certain things openly for purposes of deception. 5. (5) surviving spies. is foreknowledge. none can discover the secret system.
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. Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity. what enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer. 13. and allowing our spies to know of them and report them to the enemy. Having inward spies.4. getting hold of the enemy's spies and using them for our own purposes. Hence the use of spies. Hence it is that which none in the whole army are more intimate relations to be maintained than with spies. 8. Having local spies means employing the services of the inhabitants of a district. None should be more liberally rewarded. are those who bring back news from the enemy's camp. 9. This is called "divine manipulation of the threads. 7. finally. (4) doomed spies. 6. In no other business should greater secrecy be preserved. (2) inward spies. They cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness. 14. When these five kinds of spy are all at work." It is the sovereign's most precious faculty. of whom there are five classes: (1) Local spies. Surviving spies. 15. 12. 16. Having converted spies. it cannot be obtained inductively from experience. Thus. and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men. Having doomed spies.

it is always necessary to begin by finding out the names of the attendants. that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy. one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports. he must be put to death together with the man to whom the secret was told. It is through the information brought by the converted spy that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies. If a secret piece of news is divulged by a spy before the time is ripe. and this knowledge can only be derived. led away and comfortably housed. 19. from the converted spy. 27. 26. The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of the enemy. 22. and door-keepers and sentries of the general in command. again. Hence it is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for purposes of spying and thereby they achieve great results. The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out.
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. Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business. Whether the object be to crush an army.17. Without subtle ingenuity of mind. Likewise. 18. 23. It is owing to his information. Spies are a most important element in water. tempted with bribes. the rise of the Yin dynasty was due to I Chih who had served under the Hsia. 24. because on them depends an army's ability to move. in the first instance. to storm a city. Thus they will become converted spies and available for our service. 25. 21. Our spies must be commissioned to ascertain these. the aides-de-camp. Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated with the utmost liberality. 20. or to assassinate an individual. Of old. Lastly. it is by his information that the surviving spy can be used on appointed occasions. the rise of the Chou dynasty was due to Lu Ya who had served under the Yin.